Paris 2024: your Olympics guide to the athletics and how to watch

The Summer Olympics is always an exciting event, not least because you have to wait four years for the next one.

For many, the thrill and drama of athletics makes it a major highlight as the world’s best athletes compete on the grandest stage.

Athletics is a cornerstone of the Olympic Games, featuring a diverse range of events; for Paris 2024, the competitions will be held at the newly renovated Stade de France from August 1 to August 11.

Here’s your guide to the events on offer:

Track events

100m sprint (men's and women's): one of the most anticipated events, featuring the fastest runners in the world.

200m and 400m sprints: showcasing speed and strategy over longer distances.

800m and 1500m: middle-distance races that combine speed and endurance.

5,000m and 10,000m: long-distance races requiring tactical pacing and stamina – which often include some nail-biting finishes.

Hurdles (100m/110m and 400m): combining speed and agility over barriers.

4x100m and 4x400m relays: team events that will have you at the edge of your seat.

Field events

Long jump and triple jump: showcasing athletes’ explosive power and technique.

High jump and pole vault: requiring a combination of speed, strength, and precision; the current pole vault record stands at a whopping 6.24m.

Shot put, discus, hammer throw and javelin: testing strength and technique in throwing events.

Combined events

Decathlon (men’s) and heptathlon (women’s): multi-event competitions testing versatility across various track and field disciplines.

Road events

Marathon (men’s and women’s): a 42.195km race through the streets of Paris, finishing at the historic Champs-Élysées.

Race walks: events covering distances of 20km and 50km, demonstrating endurance and technique.

Key athletes to watch

Men’s 100m and 200m: top sprinters include Team USA’s Fred Kerley, Italy’s Lamont Marcell Jacobs, and other emerging talents.

Women’s 100m and 200m: stars like Jamaicans Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Elaine Thompson-Herah will go head-to-head with the likes of Sha'Carri Richardson, who’ll be making her Olympic debut for Team USA.

Middle-distance and long-distance: Norway’s Jakob Ingebrigtsen, Timothy Cheruiyot and Faith Kipyegon from Kenya, and Dutch Sifan Hassan.

Field events: Swedish-American Mondo Duplantis is the one to watch in the pole vault, while all eyes will be on Venezuelan Yulimar Rojas for the triple jump; Ryan Crouser may claim gold for Team USA in the shot put, and German athlete (and current Olympic champ) Malaika Mihambo is the hot ticket for the long jump.

Viewing tips if you’re watching at home

Check the schedule: athletics events span multiple days with morning and evening sessions, so make sure to note the timings of key events.

Follow the heats: preliminary heats are crucial to determine the finalists, but watching them can also build some genuine anticipation for the finals.

Watch for world records: athletics often features record-breaking performances, especially in the sprints and field events.

Engage with commentary: expert analysis can provide insights into athletes’ backgrounds as well as their techniques and strategies, all adding to your viewing experience.

Coverage

Television: BBC and Eurosport will provide extensive coverage, including live broadcasts and highlights.

Online streaming: BBC iPlayer, Eurosport Player, and Discovery+ offer live streams and on-demand content.

Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live will feature live commentary and updates.

Moments not to miss

100m finals: traditionally held in the evening sessions, the men’s and women’s finals will take place on separate days.

Marathon: typically held on the final days of the athletics schedule, providing a scenic and historic route through Paris.

Relay finals: often among the last events, bringing excitement and team spirit to the track.

Sit back and relax at home

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